Jerry D. Martindale

Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday in First Baptist Church with Mike Martindale and Dr. Howard K. Batson officiating. Private family burial will be in Elam Cemetery in Hemphill County. Arrangements are by Cox Funeral Home, 4180 Canyon Drive.

Jerry was born Oct. 29, 1935, in Dozier to Buck and Mildred Martindale, the first of four children. He was raised on a cotton farm in Collingsworth County, graduating from Samnorwood High School in 1954. He married Kathleen Riley on Aug. 20, 1960, in Canadian. He attended Frank Phillips College in Borger and later graduated from West Texas State University in Canyon in 1959.

Jerry led a multifaceted life. He derived great joy from his work in the community through Mitchell Electric Co. and later Gail Insulation for more than 40 years. He enjoyed a lifelong love with the game of basketball, first as a high school and college player and later as a basketball official, where he shined at both the local and national levels.

His ultimate passion was for the Lord Jesus Christ, to whom he remained deeply devoted and served with his community of faith at First Baptist Church in Amarillo. Jerry also loved his garden and seeing good things grow.

Survivors include his wife of more than 52 years, Kathleen Riley Martindale; a son, Mike Martindale and wife LaNell of Lubbock; a daughter, Leslie Martindale of Amarillo; three siblings, Peggy Thomas and husband James of Canyon, and Marie Powell and husband O.T. and Jimmy Martindale and wife Diana, all of Amarillo; nine nieces and nephews; and a granddaughter, Mackenzie Martindale of Lubbock.

The family suggests memorials be to Life Gift Organ Donation Ceneter of West Texas, 6001 Spur 327, Unit B, Lubbock, TX 79424.